Havij Polo (Persian Carrot Rice)

Step 1
Saute onion in butter in a large skillet over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove onion to a bowl, leaving any excess butter in the skillet.

Step 2
Sprinkle meat with cinnamon and salt; cook in the skillet in the remaining butter until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer meat to a small pot, leaving butter in the skillet. Add carrots to the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove carrots to a bowl; set skillet aside.

Step 3
Add water to the meat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove meat and mix with reserved onions. Pour 1 cup cooking water into the skillet used to cook the vegetables and meat. Add sugar; mix until completely dissolved. Set sauce aside.

Step 4
While the meat is cooking, place rice in a colander and rinse several times with warm water to remove starch. Transfer to a bowl and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5
Bring 6 cups salty water to a boil in a large saucepan. Drain rice and add to the boiling water. Boil, stirring occasionally to prevent grains from sticking together, until rice is no longer crunchy but still quite firm, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain.

Step 6
Butter the bottom of a large pot and top with several layers of rice, the meat-onion mixture, and carrots. Pour sauce over top. Cover the underside of the pot lid with a clean dish towel and place tightly on the pot to absorb moisture.

Step 7
Cook over low heat until crunchy on the bottom, about 30 minutes, checking often near the end to prevent burning.